DIY RV Travel Trailer Maintenance Checklist [by RVers]
RV Life brings our family so much joy and fulfillment. Traveling with our RV has created smiles for miles for the OurCampfireUnplugged crew, thanks in part to our commitment to using a travel trailer maintenance checklist for ongoing DIY maintenance of our travel trailer and fifth wheel. We use a printable travel trailer RV maintenance checklist to keep track of all the preventative maintenance actions we have taken. After all, it’s more fun to remember all the adventures to Yellowstone than it is to remember the last time we repacked our wheel bearings!
Keeping up with regular preventive maintenance through a travel trailer maintenance checklist on our first travel trailer and current fifth wheel means we enjoy miles of stressless RV travel. Okay, I am still stressed, but I know we have done everything possible to make our RV trip smooth!
Since our RV journeys lead us from our Old Kentucky Home to the wonders of Yellowstone to the beauty of Acadia National Park and the beaches of Florida and everywhere in between Sara and I keep our RV camper maintenance updated. Keeping up with our maintenance means our camper is in good condition and ready to hit the open road.
TL;DR: Travel Trailer Maintenance
Maintaining your travel trailer is essential for stress-free RV adventures and prolonging the life of your rig. Use this travel trailer maintenance checklist to stay on top of key tasks:
- Regularly inspect tires, brakes, and fluid levels before trips.
- Clean and sanitize freshwater, grey, and black tanks.
- Check roof seals and reseal every 2-4 years.
- Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and propane systems.
- Keep your HVAC system clean and running efficiently.
By following this travel trailer maintenance checklist, you’ll catch small issues before they turn into costly repairs, ensuring your RV is always ready for the next adventure.
Understanding Routine and Annual Maintenance
We like breaking our maintenance into two elements: Routine and Annual maintenance.
Routine maintenance is the work you do regularly. It’s the small stuff—checking tire pressure, inspecting seals, and keeping your water tanks clean.
Annual maintenance tackles the bigger tasks like flushing your water heater, checking your RV’s roof, and servicing the brakes.
Sticking to a travel trailer maintenance checklist keeps your RV in good shape. You avoid costly repairs by catching problems early. As a good rule of thumb, following a preventative maintenance schedule prevents significant damage to your RV and extends the lifespan of your RV.
Regular care means your RV lasts longer and is ready for the next adventure. Saving money on maintenance means more money for RV adventures to Kentucky or other incredible places!
Pro Tip: We recognize some RVers are super handy with a screwdriver and others not so much. If you’re more in the “not so much” camp, no worries, do what you can and use a Mobile RV Tech for the rest!
Regular Maintenance Tasks
These are some high-level maintenance items from our travel trailer maintenance checklist, which we’ll dive into more thoroughly in the sections below.
- Check tire pressure
- Inspect fluid levels
- Washing your RV
- Clean water tanks
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Inspect water hoses
- Replace water filters
- Check lug nut torque
- Inspect suspension
- Test exterior lights
Pro Tip: Not sure how to handle some of these tasks? Join our Best Mobile RV Service Facebook group, where RV experts and fellow owners share tips, advice, and troubleshooting help.
Annual Maintenance Tasks
- Inspect roof seals
- Service brakes
- Flush water heater
- Lubricate wheel bearings
- Don’t forget about winterizing and de-winterizing your travel trailer to protect it during off-seasons and ensure it’s ready for the next adventure
Exterior of Your RV
The exterior of your RV is like your RV’s skin, which protects all the vital operating systems from the elements. Water is one of the biggest enemies to your RV and a simply way to keep water out of your RV is making sure the skin of your RV, it’s exterior, is free from cracks or other defects where water could enter your RV.
Even a complete spreadsheet geek like me can use a travel trailer maintenance checklist to inspect the exterior of our Keystone Cougar for signs of wear and significant damage. Taking a quick walk around the RV’s exterior can show some scratches or large gouges, which could mean trouble if it is not repaired. Visually inspect your RV’s exterior regularly for signs of damage that is getting worse.
I like to inspect the exterior of our RV every trip. As I’m walking around the RV before we leave I like to take a look for anything that looks different. I try to do this at the campground as well. While it seems unlikely your RV could be damaged while driving to the campsite, it is possible and good to have an idea of any possible issues.
Remember finding a potential issue early could mean saving thousands of dollars and countless hours of time and stress!
Should I Really Wash My Travel Trailer or Fifth Wheel?
Washing keeps your RV Travel Trailer looking great and let’s you visually inspect for any damage!
RV Roof
Before we go too far, if you’re not comfortable getting on the roof, don’t like heights, weigh 250+ pounds, then outsourcing this to a RV service center OR a mobile RV Tech is SMART! Be smart!
In my view getting on the roof of our RV is one of the most dangerous things I do around our RV. Why? Becuase the roof is 13 feet off the ground, the ladder is connected to the back of the camper, the camper bounces a little because I walk because it’s on rubber tires, etc. I always make sure to be extra careful on the roof!
Inspecting the roof is something that should be on your travel trailer maintenance checklist and done at least once a year. I think it’s smart to inspect the roof at the beginning and end of the season. It’s also important to fully replace the lap sealant as well every 2 to 4 years.
What should I inspect on my RV Roof?
Check the roof seals for cracks or holes in the lap sealant. Any place the lap sealant shows signs of cracking or holes should be removed, cleaned, and resealed. This will help prevent water leaks and water damage to your RV.
When inspecting your RV roof, it’s a good time to clean your RV roof. Many RVers like keeping their RV roof clean because it helps the roof last longer, protects the roof, gives you a chance to visually inspect a clean roof for any damage, and removing the dirt helps reduce the ugly black streaks!
We recommend using a mild detergent like dawn dish soap along with a RV Roof like Dicor Roof Guard which helps protect the RV roof from the sun’s harmful UV rays!
RV Windows and Seals
RV Windows and seals are another place water can enter your travel trailer or fifth wheel camper. It’s most important to check the seals for signs of wear on the top and slides of the windows. While water could enter from the bottom, it’s less likely.
What Product Should I Use to Seal my RV Windows?
First, don’t use silicon. I did this and will never do it again. First, all sorts of airborne dirt sticks to the silicon and it looks nasty. Second, when it starts to break down, you have to pull it all out to reseal with the proper RV sealant.
Instead, use an RV specific sealant like Dicor Cap Sealant for Windows and Seals.
If your windows need to be replaced, make sure to use butyl tape when reinstalling the window. This is more than preventative maintenance, so following the specific instructions from the window manufacture.
Slide Maintenance
Most RV have multiple slides. Our current RV has 3 slides. The large slide in our Cougar is a rank and pinon slide and the smaller slides are cable slides. Regularly inspecting the slides is an important component of our RV preventative maintenance for smooth operation and avoid costly repairs. Slide toppers can prevent debris from building up on your RV slide’s roof.
Slide Seals
Slide seals keep water and pretty much all the rest of the outdoors out of your RV. Inspect the seals for wear or cracks and apply seal conditioner regularly to prevent drying out or tearing. I like to apply slide seal conditioner a couple times each season. Since the conditioner is in a spray can, it’s easy to apply.
Lubricating the Slide Mechanism
When I climb under the camper to grab our X-Chocks and check our tire pressure, I like to inspect the slide gears and rails. This is a great time to clean off any debris and apply a dry lubricant to the gears and rails. The RV slide lubricant ensure smooth movement of the slide.
Inspecting Slide Alignment
Regularly checking for misalignment of slides, cables, gears, rails, etc. is important to prevent damage to the motor or seals. If you see any damage or misalignment, it’s best to work with a qualified RV tech to fix the issue before it becomes a major problem!
Debris Removal
Finally, before pulling your slides in, inspect the slide roof for dirt, leaves, or debris. Make sure to remove any debris before retracting the slide to prevent damaging the roof or slide seals. RV slide toppers are a great option for keeping dirt, leaves, and debris off the slide roof!
Fifth Wheel & Travel Trailer Tires, Wheels, and Suspension
Your RV’s tires, wheels, and suspension are critical systems to keeping your RV rolling down the road. The weight of your RV along with the rough roads can be very tough on the RV tires, wheels, and suspension. And when backing into tight campsites, the stress placed on the hangar brackets, leaf springs, equalizers is tremendous. These systems require visual inspection and preventative maintenance to remain in top condition.
We found that regular preventative maintenance helps avoid most problems.
RV Travel Trailer Tire Pressure
Tire pressure is one of the most asked questions in RV forums on Facebook. We recommend checking your RV’s tire pressure before every trip. I am most comfortable checking our fifth wheel’s tire pressure just before we leave our storage facility or the campsite.
Our fifth wheel has a max tire pressure of 110 psi. I like to run our PSI (pounds per square inch) at 105 to 108. If I need to add air, I use my Vaire portable air compressor to inflate my tires. Usually, I don’t need to adjust the tire pressure unless there are large temperature swings.
We recommend tire pressure being at the max recommended by the tire’s manufacture. This keeps the tire from riding on the sidewall, overheating, and causing a blow-out!
Should I use a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)?
This is a widely debated topic on Facebook as well. The TPMS religion will make you believe your are evil if you don’t use a TPMS. However, we tried one, a less expensive one from Amazon which we would NOT recommend, and did not like it. In fact, we had a blow out with the TPMS system.
Granted our blowout was because the TPMS sensor was attached to a rubber valve stem rather than a metal valve stem. Who knew? Anyway, the weight of the TPMS sensor was too much for the stem and presto, we had a blowout.
Even after the blowout, the TPMS continued to register that the tire had air pressure. Clearly, the system we purchased was junk!
There are great TPMS in the marketplace. In our view it’s a personal choice if you want to spend the money on a TPMS system.
Pro Tip: If you invest in a TPMS make sure to upgrade your valve stems to metal valve stems or you might end up with a blowout!
Inspecting Your Travel Trailer’s Wheel Lug Nuts
The lug nuts hold your wheel and tire to your trailer’s wheel assembly, so they are critical. Here are a few considerations and facts:
- Lug nuts can be OVER tightened – use a torque wrench to tighten your RV’s wheel lug nuts to the proper foot-pounds of torque.
- Overtightening your wheel lug nuts can damage the studs that hold the nuts to the wheel, damage the brake components, damage the wheels, and make removing the tire very difficult.
Using a torque wrench is straightforward. Simply set the foot-pounds of torque to the manufacturer’s recommendation and tighten the wheel lug nut until you hear a “click,” then stop!
Checking the Suspension Components of your Travel Trailer
Most travel trailer and fifth-wheel suspensions consist of hangar brackets, leaf springs, shackles, equalizers, and bolts. Visually inspecting these components is important before each trip. While you’re checking the tire’s air pressure simply give these components a look over.
I like to make sure the leaf springs still have plenty of “bend” and are not flat or bent the wrong way! I like to make sure there are no stress cracks or bends to the hangar brackets and that all the components are aligned.
We learned the hard way that just because everything looks okay, components like equalizers break when placed under the stress of bumpy roads. Sometimes components look okay in the morning, but break along the way.
Tire Condition
As we travel down the highway, RV trailer tires take a lot of abuse. Between the constant barrage of potholes, bumps in the road, and debris on the roadway our travel trailer’s tires are under constant attack.
Don’t forget that camper tires carry the weight of your camper so they have a lot riding on them as well.
Visually inspecitng your tires before every trip is important. RVers should look for uneven wear on their tires, flat spots on the tires, bubbles on the sidewalls, cracks, and other defects.
What does a tire with uneven wear look like?
Uneven wear can show up in several ways, the inside tread of the tire could be wearing down faster than the rest of the tread. Or maybe the outside is wearing faster. Or maybe there is a flat spot all the way across the tire usually caused by breaking too hard (e.g., locking up the breaks).
If any of these signs of uneven wear show up during your inspection, stop by a tire store and get an expert opinion OR replace the affected tires. It may also be smart to talk with a qualified RV Tech to understand if you have a bigger issue with your suspension going on!
Bubbles on tire sidewalls can mean there is a defect which makes the tire weaker. Again, have the tire evaluated by a competent tire expert.
Spending a few minutes inspecting for uneven tire wear can save you hours on the side of the road and thousands of dollars in repair costs!
Wheel Bearings and Trailer Brakes
Wheel bearings and trailer brakes should be inspected and serviced every year or 10,000 miles. We generally have our RV Tech inspect both every year regardless of mileage. For a few hundred dollars, we gain peace of mind knowing the wheel bearings are repacked with fresh grease and in good shape.
If you’re good with getting your hands all greasy, you can repack your bearings yourself. For the cost of grease, new seals, and maybe bearings, you can do the job very cost-efficiently!
Inspecting trailer brakes is a job I would definitely leave to a trained RV Tech.
Water Systems and Tanks
Your RV’s water system is crucial for comfort and sanitation, and regular maintenance of your freshwater tank, grey water tank, and black tank keeps things running smoothly.
Freshwater Tank
Keeping your freshwater tank and system clean is an important part of your travel trailer maintenance checklist, ensuring safe drinking water on every trip. Every couple of months, especially after storage, flush the fresh tank with a premixed freshwater tank cleaner or ¼ cup of bleach for every 15 gallons of water. Make sure to thoroughly rinse out the tank to get all the disinfectant out of the tank.
If using bleach, you know it’s out when you stop smelling bleach in the water from the faucet. It’s best to perform this procedure when you have a full hook-up site!
Pro Tip: After sanitizing, flush it thoroughly with clean water to remove any leftover bleach taste or soap residue.
Black Water and Grey Water Tanks
Nobody enjoys dealing with the black tank or grey tank, but regular care keeps the nastiness at bay. Generally, we dump all of our tanks just before we leave a campsite. On weekend trips we typically will fill up our tanks with fresh water before emptying so we have plenty of fluid to flush all the solids out.
Does RV toilet paper make a difference? We use RV toilet paper just to be safe! That may be overkill and slightly more expensive, but its cheaper than a service call!
We recommend using a black tank treatment to break down solid waste and reduce odors.
Pro Tip: To avoid buildup, keep the black tank valve closed at the campsite until it’s ready to dump, then flush it thoroughly to prevent clogs.
Water Heater
Your water heater keeps hot showers flowing, but don’t forget to inspect it! Check the anode rod yearly to ensure it’s still doing its job of preventing corrosion. When the rod is down to just the rod, it’s time to replace it. The anode rod sacrifices itself to protect the water heater tank!
Pro Tip: While inspecting the water heater, flush it out to remove any sediment buildup that can lower its efficiency and cause damage over time.
Electrical Systems and Batteries
RV Travel Trailer and fifth-wheel electrical systems are very complex. Between 12 volt direct current (battery powered), 110 volt shore power, generators, and solar systems there are lot of potential areas to have problems. Adding electrical system checks to your travel trailer maintenance checklist is critical to ensure smooth RV travel.
RV Batteries
RV’s generally use either lead-acid batteries or lithium ion batteries. Both of our RVs (travel trailer and fifth-wheel) had lead-acid batteries which are also known as deep-cycle batteries. As a RV owner it’s important to you know which type of battery you so you perform the proper maintenance.
With lead-acid batteries it’s important to check the fluid levels of the battery quarterly. If the fluid in the battery is low, add some distilled water. Keeping the lead-acid battery’s posts corrosion free is also important to get the best performance from your battery. We keep our batteries on a solar trickle charger when our RV is in storage.
And before the winter season arrives it’s vital to remove your batteries and store in a dry place that will NOT freeze!
Lithium Ion batteries tend to provide an RV owner with a longer life, more power cycles, greater power density (store more power), low maintenance, and light weight. Many RVers with solar systems use lithium ion batteries to store solar power because the battery banks are smaller and lighter weight than traditional lead-acid batteries.
Shore Power
RV Shore Power is the power your RV receives from a campground power pedestal or a properly wired outlet at your home. We always recommend using a surge protector to protect your RV’s sensitive electrical system. The Power Watchdog has been a great surge protector for us!
Visually inspecting the power cord for signs of wear, prongs that are discolored, using some RV Electrical Protectant and Lube is one way to protect your RV’s shore power cord.
Pro Tip: When our RV’s shore power cord starting becoming difficult to unplugged we used some Camco Electrial Protectant and Lube and now the cord is easy to unplug!
Safety Systems
The safety systems in our RVs are critical life saving equipment and should be tested or inspected every trip. Sara and I store our Keystone Cougar fifth-wheel at a storage facility. Sometimes we may not visit the camper for a couple of weeks. During that time the batteries on the smoke alarm could go bad. Since we’re not there we would not hear the warning “chirps.”
A 30 second test of the smoke alarm may save your life!
Testing this system is critical after winter storage since the batteries in the smoke alarm were left sitting in the cold for several months. Better yet, replace the batteries each season!
Carbon monoxide and propane detectors are generally wired into the 12 volt power system. It’s still important to test this detector each trip to make sure the alarm will sound.
Visually inspect your fire extinguisher for signs of visible damage, the tamper seal remains sealed, signs of corrosion, and the charge level indicated in the guage. Also look at the date on the fire and replace every 10 years!
Investing in a propane detection system is also a wise choice. Generally, you should smell propane if it’s leaking, but a propane detector will alert you if there is a leak in advance and may give you time to escape before a disaster.
HVAC and Propane Systems
The Our Campfire Unplugged crew is 100% glampers. Without the comfort of heat or air conditioning, we would not be “campers”. Yup, we’re soft. But, modern RV HVAC systems are remarkably efficient at keeping your rig cool in the summer and okay at keeping it warm in the winter.
Unless you want to melt inside your RV during the summer or shiver during the winter (it’s no fun!), keeping your HVAC system in top shape is essential.
Air Conditioning System
Keeping your air conditioning system in top shape is a must, especially for those hot summer trips. Start by changing or cleaning the air filters every season or as needed. A clean filter means better airflow and more efficient cooling.
Pro Tip: Our AC filters are washable so it’s easy to wash out the dust and replace. We like to pop off the cover to our RV’s outdoor AC unit and clean off the coils to keep the system operating efficiently. Cleaning them will help your AC run smoother and prevent breakdowns.
Before the summer heats up it’s a good idea to test the Air conditioning unit is blowing cold air. A thermal heat gun is a great device to test the air temperature coming out of the ducts. RV air conditioners are closed systems so they should never need a “re-charge” of coolant. If your unit is not cooling call in RV tech to take a look.
Heating and Furnace
How cold do RVs get without the furnace on? REAALLLLYYY cold. We left Louisville late Christmas Day to avoid a snow storm. When we stopped in Nashville at 10 PM and tried to sleep our beds were frozen, the air was so cold. WOW!
In other words if you’re camping in the winter, you need your heating system to work. The fall season is a good time to make sure your heating system, furnace and electric fireplace (if you have one) are working. If not, it’s a great time to call your RV tech. If you have floor vents, it’s a good idea to clean these out as well.
Propane System
Your propane system powers a lot of key RV features like your stove and water heater, so it’s critical to keep it safe. Before each trip, check for propane leaks using soapy water. Simply apply the solution around the connections and valves. If you see bubbles, there’s a leak—tighten the connections or get it professionally repaired.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to inspect your propane tank for rust or damage. If the tank shows any signs of wear, it’s time to replace it before it causes bigger issues.
Safety Tip: If you ever smell propane, evacuate your RV immediately.
One simple tool we really like is the Truma propane gauge. This simple device shows us exactly how much propane is left in our tanks.
Interior Maintenance
We notice dirt accumulates quickly in the small space of our RV. At campgrounds that are gravel or unpaved, our RV’s floor is like a magnet for dirt and dust. On those trips we vacuum several times. Add in having a long hair dog and we are constantly cleaning!
We purchased a high quality Oreck vacuum to help us quickly sweep up the dirt and dust. This unit is light weight, powerful, and stores compactly under the master bed!
Keeping the interior of your RV clean and well-maintained ensures a comfortable and functional space. A little routine care goes a long way in preventing wear and tear.
Appliances
Regularly inspect your RV’s appliances to make sure everything is working as it should. Check the that all burners are lighting, the oven is working, the microwave is operating properly, etc. Finding out you have a failing appliance on a trip can cause some meal time disruptions!
Check light bulbs to ensure they’re functioning and replace any that are burnt out. Amazon is a great place to purchase replacement bulbs or fixtures.
Relaxing in your RV watching your favorite college team (the University of Kentucky) is one of our favorite things. So we like to make sure our TV is in working order before the big game. Since we use Starlink we don’t have to worry much about our TV antenna. If you have antenna on the roof, make sure to inspect it during your annual roof inspection. Check for any damage or loose connections.
Pro Tip: Test your appliances before every trip, especially if they haven’t been used in a while. This saves you from surprises on the road!
Interior Fixtures
Lubricating your hinges and checking for any signs of damage keeps your RV’s interior fixtures in good working order. Doors, cabinets, and drawers all take a beating when you’re traveling. Using a dry lubricant keeps hinges operating smoothly!
Pro Tip: While lubricating, inspect for loose screws or worn hardware—tighten or replace as needed to prevent bigger issues later on.
Before and After RV Trips
I’m an accountant, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that a good checklist can solve just about anything. Think about it—would you feel comfortable taking a flight if the pilots skipped their pre-flight checklist? Probably not. Knowing they’re attending to every detail makes the flight smoother for everyone.
The same goes for your RV. A pre-trip and post-trip checklist keeps your rig road-ready and in top condition. It’s not just about ticking boxes—this tool helps you catch small issues early, prevent costly problems, and extend the life of your RV.
Pre-Trip Checks
Before hitting the road, take a proactive approach by focusing on critical areas:
- Brake lights: Confirm all lights are functioning to avoid issues on the road. Don’t wait until they fail—check them every trip to catch small issues before they become bigger problems. Modern trucks automatically cycle through the lights so one person can knock this out!
- Fluid levels: On either your tow vehicle or RV, proactively check engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant. Skipping this small task could lead to costly engine repairs down the road.
- Trailer brakes: Test the brakes for responsiveness and inspect for wear. Proper brake function is key for safe towing, so catching wear early avoids more expensive repairs later.
Pro Tip: Instead of seeing pre-trip checks as a hassle, view them as an investment in the longevity of your RV. Each small task ensures a smoother trip and helps prevent bigger issues from arising down the road.
Post-Trip Maintenance
Rethink your post-trip approach—don’t just park the RV and walk away. This is the perfect time to inspect, clean, and address any issues you found on the road:
- Document any issues: Noticed a small brake squeak or uneven tire wear? Log it now. By documenting these things right after your trip, you’ll know exactly what to address before your next adventure, saving you time and reducing stress.
- Clean and inspect: Just like pre-trip checks, post-trip care can prevent future damage. Cleaning your RV’s tanks, flushing water lines, and checking for leaks can catch problems before they grow.
- Lubricate and store: A little care now, like lubricating moving parts and properly storing gear, ensures everything is in working order for your next trip.
Pro Tip: Consider maintaining a log of all pre- and post-trip checks. This isn’t just about memory—it helps spot patterns of wear and provides valuable history if you ever need repairs or sell the RV.
FAQs
DIY maintenance is fun, but enjoying our RVs is so much more fun. Here are some common questions RVers have about RV lifestyle:
How can I Stay Connected When Traveling By RV?
There are several options to maintaining a great internet connection. Many private campgrounds, like KOAs, offer free Wifi. Others offer Wifi for a small fee. Both of these options may be good if you only need to check your personal email or surf Facebook for the latest from Our Campfire Unplugged! If you need a dedicated connection for work we recommend Starlink or a separate cellular device. We prefer Starlink because the connection is high speed and available everywhere!
Do I Have to Use RV Toilet Paper?
Technically, no. But we do and we recommend it because the cost is only slightly higher and we believe it generally breaks down better than regular toilet paper.
Before Storing my Travel Trailer in the Fall, what Should I Do?
We recommend completing season-ending maintenance, including winterization and DIY maintenance.
Conclusion: Using a Travel Trailer Maintenance Checklist is The Key to Stress-Free Adventures
A travel trailer maintenance checklist isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about ensuring every trip is smooth and stress-free. Regular care keeps your RV in top shape, extends its lifespan, and prevents costly repairs. Your travel trailer maintenance checklist can evolve as you learn more and monitor specific issues with your RV, helping you stay proactive and ready for any adventure.
About Us
We are Mike and Sara, and our kids and dog are exploring the US while camping in our fifth wheel! Since the late 90s we have been exploring the great outdoors one hiking trail at a time. We introduced our kids to hiking while they were young and they love exploring new places. We call Kentucky home and we find ourselves exploring the state parks, national parks, and other wildlands in our area as often as we can!
Our RV camping journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Waking up close to the trails we love hiking was enough for us to get hooked on the camping lifestyle! Thanks for following our adventures!
